The Tuesday Transfer Column – Who’s Leaving Anfield?

As Kenny Dalglish sets about the task of revamping his Liverpool squad for next season, a lot of media speculation has been focused on identifying the signings which Liverpool are pursuing in the current transfer window. Less media attention has been devoted the potential outgoings at Liverpool.

Under the stewardship of new owners FSG (Fenway Sports Group) and the management of Kenny Dalglish, a return to ‘the Liverpool Way’ at Anfield has made it is increasingly difficult to assess which transfer rumours and speculation hold any real merit. The club now conducts its business behind closed doors, which whilst being the prudent and sensible way to run a club, makes it rather dull for the fanatical Liverpool fan, who trawls the internet for any hint or clue of activity at the club.

Despite the veil of secrecy shrouding transfer activity at Anfield, many fans recognise that there are players who for various reasons, Dalglish would like to have removed from the wage-bill at Anfield this summer. As well as the bonus of removing any ‘dead-wood’, any sales would also carry an added benefit in that they would boost Dalglish’s summer transfer kitty as he aims to freshen up his squad with new signings.

So which stars which will be leaving Anfield before the window shuts on the 1st of September? Where are their most likely destinations?

In this second instalment of ‘The Tuesday Transfer Column‘ – I  look in detail at the speculation over the last week in the transfer market. Trawling through scores (or hundreds) of articles so you don’t have to. I will aim to bring you this segment every Tuesday on Live4Liverpool.

Paul Konchesky – As reported last week, Liverpool are happy to allow the former Fulham man leave Anfield for a fraction of the £3.5m they paid for him last summer, after he failed to settle into life with the Reds, and Wolves were said to be lining up a bid for the player.

The proposed move seems to have been slowed down over the last week however, as Wolves’ interest in the left-back appears to have waned.

According to various reports on Clubcall.com, SetantaSports, Live4Liverpool and bleacherreport.com (22/06/11) Mick McCarthy is thought to be prioritising moves for a goalkeeper and a centre-half and will concentrate on improving those areas of the squad before making his move for a left-back.

Wolves have since signed goalkeeper Dorus De Vries on a free transfer from Swansea, as was reported later the same day by eatsleepsport.com (22/06/11). The site also reported yesterday (27/06/11) that a move by Wolves for Reading centre-back Matt Mills is expected to gather pace this week. Once finalised McCarthy will then focus on acquiring a left-back.

In this regard, it would seem that the reports doing the rounds about McCarthy prioritising a goalkeeper and centre-back have been pretty accurate.

A report in the South Wales Evening Post (22/06/11) complicates matters by claiming that Konchesky may be the key to Swansea’s hopes of landing young Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand.

According to the report, sources in the Midlands have suggested that Chelsea have offered Bertrand to Mick McCarthy on a season-long loan. But the Molineux boss is unsure whether to take up the loan option or to move for Liverpool’s Konchesky. The report states:

“At 21, Bertrand is a player with potential and is tipped to have a bright future ahead of him. But 30-year-old Konchesky offers Premier League experience after spells with Spurs, West Ham and Fulham, before his switch to Anfield and McCarthy is thought to want to add seasoned top-flight campaigners to his ranks. Konchesky is likely to prove the more expensive option however.”

The report suggests that Konchesky’s future may be decided by next week, which will be decision time for Wolves. Watch this space.

Alberto Aquilani – It has been a busy week for Alberto. As reported on fanatix.com (22/06/11), Juventus have confirmed the permanent signings of four players they had on loan last season (Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Matri, Simone Pepe and Marco Motta) for a combined outlay of € 38m – but Alberto Aquilani will not be staying with the Old Lady, as they elected against taking up their option with Liverpool to sign Aquilani permanently

The Turin club have decided against paying the high asking price quoted by Liverpool who were looking to recoup their big original outlay. Juve have also signed Andrea Pirlo.

Live4Liverpool later reported (23/06/11) that Aquilani’s agent Franco Zavaglia now claimed that the Italian’s move to Juventus now looks unlikely, as he had told SportItalia:

“It is all at a stand-still. The negotiations are still stalled, nothing has changed.”

Aquilani has also been linked with AC Milan and Napoli, but no club has come in for the Italian midfielder so far.

Goal.com (24/06/11) gives a few details on the aborted transfer of Aquilani to Juventus. Supposedly, Aquilani had joined on a season long loan with an option to remain permanently from Liverpool if Juventus met their €16 million demands. Problems emerged however after the Italians wanted to obtain a discount. The article cites a Tuttomercatoweb.com report which claims the Premier League side had eventually settled for €10m, but Juventus had refused to finalise a deal as new manager Antonio Conte sees him as surplus to requirements in Turin. Conte prefers a 4-2-4 system, and with Andrea Pirlo joining from AC Milan, there is little space for Aquilani. The Italian international has always hoped to stay so he could enjoy regular action, and fight for his Italy place at Euro 2012. But he seems destined to head back to England as Conte will not change formation so he can accommodate him. This seems a strange claim, particularly given the reported interest in signing Raul Meireles (to be dealt with next) – who plays a similar role to the Italian. Rather, the management change it seems, is being used as an excuse by Juve to renege on their original agreement with Liverpool. OurKop (24/06/11) confirmed Aquilani’s return to Anfield – as “Juventus have refused to sign him and no other club in Italy seems keen to pay the amount Liverpool want for him.” The report quotes Franco Zavaglia, Aquilani’s agent, who confirmed that his client will return to Anfield telling tuttojuve.com “Aquilani is going back to Liverpool”. There has been no movement on this one since…… but it’ll be a long summer. The TTC will keep you posted on any developments.

Raul Meireles – The week got off to a start with a report in The National (22/06/11) which claimed that Liverpool have been offered the Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo in part exchange for Meireles. Although Liverpool have refused Juventus’ approach, they have indicated a willingness to cash in on Meireles. Juventus have been quoted an asking price of around €15 million for the 28-year-old and that an alternative proposal which included former Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko in a deal was also knocked back by the English club. The bleacherreport.com (23/06/11) echoes these claims, but state the Reds have indicated a willingness to do business at £15 million rather than € 15m. Metro.co.uk (23/06/11) and the Daily Mirror (23/06/11) also carry the story. The former Porto midfielder enjoyed a promising debut season at Anfield, winning the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year, but now it seems he may be surplus to requirements – just a year after joining the Reds. givemefootball.com (23/06/11) claim that Inter Milan have shown interest in the 28-year-old, with Liverpool reportedly willing to speak to the club about a move. This link with Inter was also reported in last weeks TTC. It seems that the transfer of Meireles is becoming a distinctly realistic proposition. The rumours have gathered momentum throughout the week.

The Daily Express also reports the Juventus interest (24/06/11) whilst the Daily Star (24/06/11) added that a swap or loan deal will not be considered. Liverpool want cash.

The Guardian (24/06/11), footie-online.co.uk (24/06/11) and TEAMtalk (24/06/11) all claim that Kenny Dalglish is open to offers for the former Porto midfielder, claiming Juventus are “extremely interested” (23/06/11). The Daily Mail (24/06/11) also reports that Liverpool have told Juventus they will have to pay £13.5million for Meireles after turning down a cash plus player deal involving Felipe Melo.

The greatest hint that the Meireles transfer may be more than idle speculation was given by Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo. Skysports.com reported (24/06/11) that Melo had been angered at the reported offer of a swap for Meireles, with him as a makeweight in the deal. According to the report Melo had told the Daily Mirror:

“Let us say that Juve are not respecting me, or at least that’s the impression I get. I’m not just anyone. I’m not a bargaining chip to be used.”

That Melo was sufficiently angered to comment suggests there must be an element of truth to the story.

Ladbrokes.com reported (26/06/11) that Meireles’ stay in the Premier League looks set to be short lived after contract talks between the player and Liverpool broke down. The report Liverpool’s new owners are allegedly refusing to increase the midfielders wages, which has infuriated Meireles.

Continue Reading on Page 2 . . .